Hundreds of HIV positive individuals in Uganda took to the streets today to protest the closure of USAID-funded health programs in the country. The closure, which was announced earlier this week, has left many without access to life-saving medication and treatment.
According to reports, the USAID closure has severely impacted Uganda’s health sector, which relies heavily on foreign aid. The country received $295 million in health assistance from USAID in 2023, making it one of the top recipients in Africa.
Mike Elvis Tusubira, a Ugandan taxi driver living with HIV, expressed his desperation at the protest. “It will be a matter of life and death” over the next three months, he said.
The closure has disrupted HIV treatment and care services, leaving millions of people without access to life-saving medication. The health ministry in Uganda has announced plans to shut down dedicated HIV/AIDS and TB clinics, resulting in job losses for healthcare workers.
Protesters are urging the US government to reconsider its decision and restore funding to critical health programs. Human rights organizations have also condemned the closure, citing the devastating impact it will have on vulnerable communities.
The Ugandan government has promised to intervene, but it remains unclear what measures will be taken to address the crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the lives of millions of HIV positive individuals in Uganda hang in the balance.
